Chapter 15
Thursday December 23rd, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Main Pool
4:15 p.m.
"New drinks ladies," Sophia smiled as she arrived with the latest round and they were passed around the small gathering of women there to watch the 'Mr. Sexy Legs Contest'.
"Thank you," Sara smiled as they watched a twenty-something guy show off his 'sexy legs'.
"I'd give him a six."
"Four," Sophia countered before taking a sip of her drink.
"Geez, what gorgeous sexy legs have you seen on a man that make your standards so high?" Mia asked looking over at her.
"A girl never kisses and tells."
"Since when?" Lai demanded giving her a look.
"Since I met this guy," Sophia grinned.
"Ooo Phi's got a beau," Katrina teased. "Hello, now that's a ten," she continued as a new guy came up."
"A seven maybe but not a ten," countered Liz
"What she said," Sara agreed. "Oh, come on ladies. Grab your scorecards. Here comes the 'Las Vegas' entry," she continued when she spotted a familiar head of spiky hair.
"Ooo! Sexy!" Lai called with a laugh and Greg glanced over at them. Batting his eyes he stopped to show off his legs.
Grinning, the six women looked at each other before holding up two cards each, the blank side to Greg's attention. He perked up considerably and with another wink, they flipped them around. Each lady held a 0-1 or 0-2, except for Mia and her 0-5.
Greg's mouth dropped open, as the other people watching the contest cracked up. Turning he strutted across the arena with a pout before the new victim...err contestant, came out.
"Okay, now this guy is definitely a three," commented Liz as the next guy strutted in front of them.
"Two," Sara nodded.
"Greg is so much better,." Mia mused.
"If you say so," giggled Liz.
"Okay, last contestant," Katrina pointed out with a smirk.
"Woo Hoo! We'll finally have a winner soon," Sara grinned.
"Ooooh, please someone put this poor guy out of our misery," groaned Liz dramatically as the last contestant came out. "He's lucky if he's a one!"
"Point three." Lai countered with a snort.
"Oh, thank God that's over," Sophia giggled as they came around to gather the scorecards. "My vote is for number 8."
"4."
"1."
"13," Mia spoke up with a smile.
"That's because lucky number thirteen is your signif other," Sophia pointed out.
"7," commented Liz.
"Here, here," Sara agreed with a smile.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention," the woman in charge of the contest began after all the scores had been tallied. "And we have a winner," she continued as a cheer went up. "Third place goes to... number thirteen. Greg from Las Vegas. And I bet you're little cheering section is happy over there," she added with a wink towards the women.
"GO GREG!" cried Liz before breaking out in giggles.
"Woo Hoo!" Mia cheered.
"And second place goes to...number eight, Mike from Waldorf, Maryland," the woman continued and his fans cheered.
"And first place, goes to number seven, Mr. Steven Sexy Legs from Fairfield, California," she finished as he walked up to receive his little trophy.
"How did you two do that?" Sophia asked with a laugh as she looked at Sara and Liz.
"It's a gift. Besides, once you've seen Warrick's legs on a regular basis, you have the classic basis for any person that follows," Sara winked.
"Or Delko," Liz agreed. "Professional swimmer at one time."
"Oh yes, nice legs. No Warrick Brown, but nice legs," Sara beamed. "Calleigh loves sending embarrassing pictures of those boys of hers."
"And just because I'm not with him now doesn't mean I don't remember what Nick's looked like. That man has legs to die for," commented Liz.
"Yes, that's very true," Sara assented with a nod. "But, we came, we saw, we judged. I say we head back in before all of us end up like lobsters."
"Sounds like a good plan," approved Liz. "Would one of you mind giving me a hand?"
"Sure thing," Lai smiled as she rose before offering Liz a hand as the others made their way out of the lounge chairs.
"Thanks," replied Liz as Lai helped her to her feet.
"Well, I think I'm going to stop and get another one of these lovely virgin Kiwi Daiquiris before taking a nap," Sara smiled. "I am so going to collect these glasses," she added with a laugh.
"You too?" Greg asked with a smile as he walked right to her side after he had received his certificate of 'Sexy Legness', "They're so cool aren't they?"
"Adonai save me, I'm collecting something Greg is," Sara groaned.
"Sorry Sara but only you can do that," laughed Liz. "I'm going to head back up to the room. Meet you there?"
"Meet you there," Sara repeated before glancing over at Greg and groaning once more.
Liz giggled before shaking her head and turning and walking away, making her way back up to her room, where she changed and collapsed onto the bed, which is where Sara found her when she returned a short while later.
"Enjoying your daiquiri?" asked Liz when she heard the door open, never moving from her spot and not even looking at Sara, her eyes on the ceiling.
"Very," Sara smiled, daiquiri in hand. "Tired?"
"Something like that," replied Liz quietly.
"You okay?" Sara inquired with concern as she sat down on the edge of the bed and took another sip.
"My comment about Nick...I never should have made it," Liz sighed, still looking at the ceiling.
"Why?" Sara prodded.
"Because it brought back all those suppressed memories to the surface. The way it felt when he touched me...kissed me...even just the way he would hold my hand. It brought back memories of everything I could never have," answered Liz turning her gaze from the ceiling to look out the balcony doors, not wanting Sara to see the tears.
"Oh, Girl," Sara sighed as she rose and grabbed a few tissues from the bathroom. Returning she knelt down by Liz's head and handed them to her. "It's okay."
"It's not fair, Sara," cried Liz. "Everyone here has someone except me and the one I want is on the same bloody boat but he's off limits."
"Oh, Honey..." Sara sighed. "You know that technically Phi doesn't have anyone either," she offered sympathetically. "I'm sure she can commiserate in that sense...but it isn't the same I know," she whispered as she reached up to brush the hair from Liz's forehead. "I'm so sorry, Liz. Things would be so much easier if you had never met Nick or if he had left sooner..."
"It happened the night we were all held hostage," sniffled Liz. "As they were taking care of you I slipped out. I spent the whole night just walking around the city. Next thing I know I'm in Nick's room. A week later I learn he has a girlfriend and three months later I learn I'm pregnant."
"Oh, Honey," Sara whispered. "I'm so sorry, so very sorry." she continued as she brushed her fingers through Liz's hair. She could truly kill Nick Stokes...maybe not physically, but she could hurt him if given the chance.
"Now you know why this is so hard for me," commented Liz quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Knowing I carry a part of him but knowing I can never have him."
"I know Girl, I know," Sara whispered. "Too bad we can't get plastered and forget everything for a few hours," she sighed. "Alright, I have a theory," she began after a moment. "After Nicole has graced the world with her presence, we leave her in her godfather's care one night and the two of us get completely utterly plastered for all the times we couldn't while you were pregnant...that is if you're not breast-feeding. But I can't imagine you breast-feeding since you do have to cut back on the chocolate..." Sara frowned. "Life as a woman sucks, doesn't it?"
"Sounds like a plan and I vote for chocolate martinis so I get the best of both worlds," commented Liz. "I've wanted to get plastered ever since I boarded."
"I can imagine. That makes two of us actually. I've sworn off alcohol before the wedding. It's another weird family tradition, makes the wine we drink during the ceremony all the sweeter supposedly," she shrugged. "As far as I know though, it's not a Jewish tradition to swear off alcohol, just being together for a week,." she continued with a smile. "You know, that's possibly the only good thing to never being able to have kids again. I don't have to swear off alcohol for months and months," she mused.
"Don't get me wrong, Sara; I love the thought of being a mother it's just that...knowing I can never be with Nicole's father is what's killing me."
"I know, Honey. I know. And it may not look like it now, but in a few years, it won't hurt so much."
"I hope so," replied Liz.
"I can only tell you from personal experience. After a few years it didn't hurt to not have Griss in that respect in my life. Of course I went and moved to Vegas, fell back head over heels for him, got turned down, went into a deep depression and all that insanity...then found what was right under my nose and found happiness," Sara finished with a grin. "But if you do that whole depression thing in your life, I will kill Stokes," she added seriously.
"Trust me, Sara, as much as it hurts, I know that there can never be anything between Nick and I. You saw the same picture I did. He has someone, it just happens to not be me."
"I know, Sweetie. I know," Sara nodded. "Okay, you ask me, it's time for a nap, for both of us. Before we cry ourselves to sleep here on the floor and with you halfway on the bed, half off."
"Sounds good but can you help me up so I can actually get into bed?" asked Liz as she held out a hand.
"But of course," Sara smiled as she slowly rose. "Uggh, I think I did get a bit too much sun out there," she moaned as she stretched and everything suddenly ached with the familiar feeling of sunburn. "Come on, let's get you up. I'm grabbing the Aloe Vera so by Sunday this will be a nice lovely tan," she grimaced as she held her hands out to Liz.
"Thanks," replied Liz as Sara helped her to her feet before walking up to the head of the bed and climbing in.
After slipping into shorts and a tank top, and liberally applying the God given gift of Aloe Vera, Sara made her way out of the bathroom and joined Liz in bed, smiling when she found her already three-quarters of the way asleep. Rolling over she grabbed the phone and set a wake-up call before dinnertime then sighed before joining Liz in Neverland.
Friday December 24th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Excursion Boarding Area
12:27 p.m.
The ship had docked in Phillipsburg around noon that day and everyone was eager to get to their shore excursions, everyone with the exception of Liz that is. She had been quite eager to spend the afternoon shopping and sailing with Lindsey until she found out that Catherine had signed up for the same excursion. Taking a deep breath Liz gathered her nerve and made her way to where she saw Lindsey and Catherine waiting for her.
"Hey Liz," greeted Lindsey when Liz walked up to her and Catherine.
"Hey Linds, Catherine," greeted Liz.
"Liz," replied Catherine.
"That poncho is so cute Liz where did you get it?" asked Lindsey curiously as she admired the pale aqua poncho Liz was wearing.
"I got it when Sara and I went shopping in King's Wharf," responded Liz.
"Aren't you going to be a little hot in that?" wondered Catherine as she eyed Liz critically.
"I'll be fine Catherine," countered Liz. "Besides I got more sun than I intended yesterday so I want to try to keep it off of me as much as possible. So are we ready to go?"
"Definitely," agreed Lindsey as she grabbed Liz by the hand and led her off the ship.
After disembarking the ship the three joined the others on their excursion on the bus trip from Phillipsburg to the town of Marigot where they spent an hour enjoying the cuisine at a local restaurant before heading out into the market area.
"Hey Liz, you okay?" asked Lindsey worriedly when she found Liz sitting down on a bench about an hour and half into their two hours of shopping.
"I'm fine Lindsey. Just tired is all," replied Liz.
"Come on, I want to show you something," Lindsey said holding out her hand.
"Alright, I'm coming," laughed Liz, taking Lindsey's hand to help her to her feet before straightening her poncho to hide her stomach.
"This is just so cute and so perfect for the baby," gushed Lindsey as she pulled Liz into a store.
"Baby?" asked Catherine from behind Liz, causing both Liz and Lindsey to freeze. "What baby?"
"Sara's," snapped Liz.
"Zoë's," answered Lindsey at the same time.
Liz and Lindsey shared a look before they both gave the opposite answer.
"Well which is it? Is it Sara's or is it Zoë's?" pressed Catherine. "Wait a minute, Sara had ovarian cancer. She can't have children."
"Well..." Liz trailed off, throwing a look of uncertain panic at Lindsey. "Both are expecting a baby actually. Zoë is expecting her second child and Sara and Warrick are expecting a baby," she explained, taking a deep breath before continuing, "The one I'm carrying for them."
"Well then, I guess congratulations are in order," replied Catherine.
"Thanks," commented Liz hoping her nervousness did not come through in her voice. "We should get going before we're late for the cruise around the island," she finished before turning and leaving the store as quickly as she could.
"Liz wait!" cried Lindsey as she followed Liz out of the store.
Catherine stood there for a few minutes after watching Liz practically bolt from the store. There was definitely more going on than what she'd just been told. All she had to do was figure it out, and given her line of work, it wouldn't be that difficult.
The rest of the excursion was spent sailing around the island of St. Maarten for an hour and then the return drive to Phillipsburg before re-boarding the ship, where Catherine went her way while Liz and Lindsey went the other way together.
Friday December 24th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
4:08 p.m.
Whistling the tune stuck in her head, thanks to Bertie and herself singing nice, traditional, songs in Yiddish to prepare for the Sabbath in a few hours while they were on their excursion with Grissom, Sara made her way up to her room. She had left the two to bond over the insanity of shopping with a female pretty much as soon as they returned from their excursion to St. Maarten, and the trip to the Butterfly Farm, the obvious reason for their attendance on this particular tour was a given when anyone heard about that stop, which in all honesty had been amazing. Hundreds of butterflies were in the garden, and it had been such fun watching her son and his father bond over the lovely creatures...
Smiling to herself Sara entered the elevator and pressed the button for her deck. Yes, the Butterfly Farm had been quite fantastic. From there they had gone to Marigot. And it was just as lovely as the butterfly farm. It was a beautiful village, quite like the French Quarter of New Orleans according to Grissom, but without those little American touches. And she had been in heaven to find more boutiques and other small businesses in old brick buildings that almost made her imagine being a few hundred years back in time. And she'd proceeded to drag the poor blue-eyed men from store to store. They were already discussing complaining to her fiancé that she was a scary, scary woman when let loose with stores. To which she had merely responded, 'you think he doesn't already know that'.
Smirking to herself, Sara stepped off the elevator and walked the short distance to her temporary quarters, and Liz's permanent quarters. Just as she started to slip her key card in the door, it was opened, and Sara found herself face to face with Lindsey. A bit panicked looking Lindsey at that.
"Linds?" Sara asked concerned. Lindsey swiftly pivoted on her heels and walked into the room. Following after her, Sara shut the door and counted to ten to avoid panicking herself. Until she stepped out of the small hallway formed by the bathroom and closet, and saw Liz on the bed, "Oh shit."
"I don't know what to do Sara," pleaded Lindsey. "She started hyperventilating in the elevator on the way back up here and then shortly after we got in here she laid down on the bed clutching her stomach, her breathing getting worse. I thought of getting help but I didn't want to leave her alone."
"Okay," Sara began quickly running a mental calculation. "Alright, the guys should be back from their excursion. Call Warrick, find out where he is and get him here. Check if Al and Simone are in their room while you're at it," Sara instructed as she set down her bags and moved over to kneel by Liz's head as Lindsey grabbed her cell and left the room, key card in hand.
"Beth, I need you to calm down, all right?" she began softly as she brushed hair out of Liz's face. "I know you haven't had Lamaze yet, but I also know that you know from first aid classes and such about breathing. Let's try that to see if we can get your breathing under control okay?" she continued softly.
Liz nodded while whimpering quietly.
"Okay, breathe with me, Girl," Sara continued softly as she demonstrated.
Sara grinned reassuringly as she continued to brush the hair off of Liz's head while Liz matched the breathing exercise with her. Her other hand rested just above the baby as she felt the cramps rippling across Liz's womb. Hearing the door open she glanced up to see Lindsey returning.
"Doc's not there, but Rick's on his way," she explained in a rush.
"Okay, you did good Linds," Sara smiled. "Can you get a towel from the bathroom and get it wet? I need you to sit with Liz for just a moment," she continued before looking back at Liz, "I'm not going anywhere okay? I'll be right back. You need to keep up the breathing without me, okay? Can you do that for me?" she asked as she moved to take Liz's hand. "Just squeeze my hand, you don't need to speak. If you don't think you can do it, don't squeeze." she continued softly, keeping her voice even and calm.
Liz wasn't sure if she could keep it up on her own so she didn't squeeze Sara's hand.
Sighing mentally Sara brushed the hair from Liz's head once more, "You're going to be okay, Honey. I just need to go out and meet Warrick; I won't be gone more than a few minutes...Lindsey is going to be right here and if you need me I'll be here faster than you can say Lemony Snicket," Sara began once more. "Can Lindsey stay and breathe with you for just a few minutes?"
Not knowing if she could trust her voice or her breathing enough to give a verbal answer, Liz nodded her head slightly.
"Okay. I'll be right back, Honey," Sara whispered as she slowly let go of Liz's hand and rose. Turning she looked at Lindsey who was standing with a damp washcloth. Reaching up she cupped Lindsey's face as she smiled, "You're going to be okay, Honey. Don't worry. Just sit with her, and keep up the breathing exercises, all right?" Seeing Lindsey nod she grinned once more, "I'll be right back, you're doing fantastic, Baby Girl," she smiled when she saw a small smile grace Lindsey's lips, "You're going to be fine, Honey," she looked back at Liz and added, "Both of you," before Lindsey took her place beside Liz and she swiftly made her way out of the room and grabbing Lindsey's key card she headed over to Lindsay and Bree's room. Dialling Rick's number as she walked she sighed with relief when he picked up, "Where are you?"
"Elevator on my way up, what's going on? Linds wasn't exactly making sense?" Warrick asked concerned.
"I'm in Lindsey's room, door is open. Calling to warn them we're bringing Liz to the medical facilities," Sara answered.
"Okay, see you in two," he replied before she hung up and dialled the number on the ship phone.
"Sar?" Warrick asked after he entered the room as she set the phone back down and turned to look at him. Walking over she grabbed his hand before leading him back towards the other cabin, "I don't know exactly, just got back to find Liz hyperventilating on the bed, and Lindsey panicked. I think she's in false labor but I don't want to risk it. They wanted to send someone up but I told them we could get her there in half the time, you're going to need to carry her."
"No problem," Warrick answered immediately, his brain still trying to catch up. He figured he'd understand later, when everything was revealed. Following her into their cabin they both made their way over to bed.
"Liz, honey, we need to get you down to the medical facilities. They're waiting for us. Warrick is going to carry you, okay?" Sara asked as she stopped next to Lindsey and reached out to brush her fingers across Liz's forehead once more.
Liz nodded in understanding
Lindsey rose and both women moved out of the way to let Warrick by the bed. "Hey Girl, hang on we're going to get you help," he promised as he bent down and carefully lifted her from the bed. "I got you, okay?"
Liz nodded, knowing Warrick meant what he said.
Turning the group quickly made their way from the room, Lindsey having already run to get an elevator. Making their way to the stern, they soon found themselves at the medical facilities and Liz was put in the more capable hands of the medical staff.
"You okay?" Sara asked softly as she sunk into a chair next to Lindsey.
"This is all my fault," Lindsey said inaudibly.
"No, Honey...no," Sara countered as she slipped an arm around Lindsey's shoulders.
"Yes, it is," argued Lindsey. "It's my fault. I let it slip about the baby in front of Mom."
"Oh Linds," Sara sighed tenderly. "Listen to me. You're letting it slip didn't cause this," Sara began as she turned and forced Lindsey to look at her, "She's been stressed all week, extremely stressed. Whatever happened today didn't cause this. It was just fate that today was the day this happened. It could have happened tomorrow, or next week, or last month. It wasn't you."
"I guess," agreed Lindsey reluctantly
"It really isn't your fault, Linds," Warrick began as he linked his fingers with hers. "Do you think it's your fault that Sar got cancer?" he continued before seeing Lindsey look at him like he'd lost his mind. "Same thing with what Liz is going through. It's no one's fault, least of all yours."
"It's just I didn't realize Mom was even in that store when I brought up the baby. We tried to cover but I don't know if she believed me and now this," sighed Lindsey.
"Hon, your mother is the queen of investigative and nosy to be quite honest. She'd be figuring this out sometime soon regardless of how much we try to keep it from her. And hey, you're not exactly used to having your mother around, it's a fact of life, makes sense you'd forget that she was in the store," Sara smiled. "I have a theory, we get Liz back up to the cabin, call room service and get lots of chocolate and raid the collection of DVDs the boys and Bree brought and watch a movie on the laptop?"
"Sounds like a good idea," decided Lindsey
"Good to hear," Sara understood as the nurse came out of the back room.
"Ms. Fabrey is fine. We gave her something to stop the pain of the false labour. She's going to need to take it easy for the rest of the trip, and when she gets back to port, or home, it would probably be best if she sees her doctor. We already told her all of this, but just in case she doesn't exactly remember..." the woman trailed off with a shrug. "We've given her a relaxant, so she may or may not be completely awake for the next few hours."
Nodding the three rose, and Warrick followed the nurse back to get Liz. Rejoining the other two, they made their way back to Liz and Sara's cabin, fortunately not running into anyone, and Liz promptly fell asleep.
Liz woke briefly to eat, before falling asleep once more. Lindsey, having decided she wasn't leaving until she was sure Liz was fine, camped out in front of the laptop with a hot fudge sundae, and extra fudge on the side. Coming out of the bathroom, just before six, in a sarong, Sara glanced over at her, "Are you sure it's okay, Linds?" she asked as she grabbed her key card.
"I'm sure, go. We need you, we'll call," Lindsey smiled as she looked up at her. "So take your cell, wherever you put it, I don't want to know," she added with a sneer.
"Who says I don't already have it," Sara countered with a smirk.
"In that? Where, between your thighs?" Lindsey shot as she looked up and down Sara, "By the way, so borrowing that."
"Figured that, it's Danielle's actually," Sara giggled. "And, got my cell," she added picking it up before walking over to brush a lock of hair out of Liz's eyes, "I'll be back soon, Girl, sleep tight," she whispered before pausing to steal a bite of Lindsey's hot fudge, then headed out of the room.
Nick was making his way down the hall towards his room when Sara emerged from Liz's room, her attention obviously elsewhere. "Damn girl," commented Nick, which got Sara's attention as he gave her the once over. "You look hot."
Turning, Sara smirked. "Could have told you that, cowboy." /-/Wish I could kill you, but I'll joke with you instead.../-/ "Probably not the best thing to wear to Sabbath services, but since I'm dragging Warrick's butt there," she trailed off with a shrug.
"You gotta do what you gotta do, I guess," laughed Nick. "Can I walk you wherever you're going? That way at least Warrick can't kill me for someone else snatching you away."
"I suppose," Sara shrugged. "So, how was your day, Mr. Stokes?" she asked as they moved towards the elevator.
"Great. Went for a hike through the rainforest," replied Nick. "And you? Butterflies wasn't it?"
"Yup, and bonding time with my son and his father," Sara smiled.
"Listen Sara..." Nick began, not quite sure how to say what he wanted to. "I wanted to ask you something...it's about Liz."
"Okay?" she countered not looking at him.
"Is she alright? I mean, nobody's seen her since we boarded," commented Nick a hint of concern in his voice.
"She's fine. We've been doing stuff together you know. We just tend to do things on the opposite side of the ship from everyone else I guess, you know, the whole, two ships passing in the night thing," she trailed off with a shrug. "So, is this a question relating to that conversation we had?" she asked after a moment as she looked over at him briefly.
"Partly," admitted Nick
"Stokes," Nick said picking up the phone on his desk on the second ring. Once again his hopes rising that it might be Liz. He'd been back in Dallas for just over four months now and even though they left things on bad terms, his heart always hoped that it was Liz on the other end of the line every time the phone rang.
"Hello, Nick," Sara's voice came over the line.
"Sara?" repeated Nick in surprised confusion. "What can I do for Vegas' finest?"
"Well, technically I'm not working so...don't imagine I'd be considered one of 'Vegas' finest' at the moment," she began. "But anyway, I hear through the grapevine you've been offered a job."
"Yeah, Jim called me about a week or so ago, wanting to know if I'd be willing to take over the day shift up there," replied Nick.
"Are you considering it?"
"Yeah, why?"
Sara took a deep breath that travelled over the phone, "Nick, are you sure that it's a good idea?"
"Sara, are you trying to tell me not to consider it?" asked Nick over the phone. "Sara leaving Vegas five years ago was the hardest decision I had to make. I left because I had to, not because I wanted to and now that the chance for me to return has been put before me; you want me to turn it down?"
"I get that love, I do," Sara began with a sigh. "But are you sure that you're thinking of taking this for you, or are you thinking about it because of Liz?" she asked bluntly.
"I'm not going to lie to you Sara, Liz is a part of it, but she's not the only reason I'm considering it," replied Nick.
"That's good to hear," Sara sighed once more. "Nick, not that I wouldn't love to have you back around, Adonai knows I would. But are you sure that you and Liz in the same city would be a good thing considering how things ended between you two? At least this soon?"
"Sara, I'm the first to admit that things between Liz and I ended badly and if I could, I'd do a few things differently but I'm not about to let that influence my decision, which I still have to make. If I do decide to come and Liz and I manage to work things out, great, if not then we'll deal with it. Either way Sara, it's my life and my decision," argued Nick.
"I know," Sara sighed once more. "Nick..." she began before trailing off. "Hey, either way, it would be great to see you again soon. And you're at work so I should let you go..."
"Later," Nick said before hanging up the phone. There was more to Sara's call than she was letting on; he just knew it and he had a feeling Liz was at the centre of it. Just as he was about to get up from his desk, his cell phone rang. Picking it up he noticed it was text message from Rebecca...again. What was this the fifth time this morning? Groaning Nick erased the message without even reading it before heading out to find the rest of his team.
"Sara, when you called me a couple months ago there was something you were trying to tell me but you trailed off before you said anything. Does this have something to do with Liz?" wondered Nick
"Yes and no. I called because of both of you," Sara answered softly. "I was going to ask, whatever you choose, that you didn't hurt her again. Or that you get hurt yourself too," she finished with a slight shrug.
"Sara, you have to know it was never my intention to hurt her," countered Nick.
"For all my good intentions, there are days when things go wrong or I fall into old habits. When things are not going well, when I'm grumpy or mad, I'll realize that I've not been paying attention to my soul and I've not been following my best routine."
"What is that supposed to mean?" asked Nick in confusion. "And you've been spending way to much time with Grissom lately."
"The best intentions are often the most painful realities, Nick," Sara answered with a smirk. "And actually that quote isn't from Griss, I've been carrying it around and pulling it out since Ecklie," she continued with a shrug. "It was never your intention to hurt her, but she was still hurt. It was never my intention to fall in love with Warrick, but it still happened. Intentions are never easy to follow, and even harder to understand when things go wrong."
"Sara, tell me honestly. Do you think there is even the smallest chance that I might be able to work things out with Liz?"
"I don't know," she answered after a few moments. "I honestly don't know Nick. Part of me thinks she'd be a fool to take you back, another part of me thinks you two are perfect for each other, and the larger part of me can't imagine her letting you back in those walls. I just...I don't know Nick. As much as I wish I had an answer, all I have is my own confusion about the subject."
"Hello," Warrick's voice drew their attention, and Sara smiled up at him. "Thank you for the escort, Nick…" she started, looking back at him.
"No problem," replied Nick with a nod at Warrick.
"Thanks, Nick," Warrick grinned as he linked hands with Sara.
"Night Nick," Sara smiled once more before glancing towards the other people gathered. "We have to go, it's almost time for the service," she added, glancing up at Warrick.
Warrick nodded before looking over and giving Nick one last smile. Turning they made their way over to the gathering and the Rabbi.
When Sara and Warrick made their way over to the service, Nick turned and made his way back up to his room, hesitating at Liz's door, uncertain whether or not to knock. Deciding against it, he made his way down the hall and entered his own room.
Saturday December 25th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
7:58 p.m.
"This one is for Bobby, it's from Liz," Sophia began as she pulled out another package and it was passed to him. "Oh cool. I've been waiting for this to come out so I could get a copy," Bobby grinned as Greg leaned over.
"Book on Ballistics. Nice."
"The latest book in the field. Just came out last week," Bobby countered. "If you see her before I do, tell her thanks."
"Will do," Sara smiled as she leaned back against Warrick's chest. Everyone had taken the glare she shot their way when they started to speak up about the seating arrangement to heart, and kept silent about the two having to stay apart. As Bertie pointed out, they were suppose to be apart to not consummate the relationship for a week before marriage, not be kept apart to the point they forgot what the other looked like.
She loved having another around who understood the ins and outs of being Jewish in their group.
"Where is Liz?" Catherine asked as Sophia passed Jonathon's gift to Zoë.
"She's out cold. Bit of food poisoning from something she had in town yesterday. We think they undercooked her fish." Sara explained with a shrug. /-/Undercooked fish, false labor...same diff./-/
"She okay?" Jim asked concerned
"Yeah, just feels like crap. She is resting so she can attend services tonight since she missed midnight mass last night," Sara shrugged as Sophia passed a gift her way.
"Yours from me."
Sara raised an eyebrow before carefully pulling off the paper. Setting the paper aside she lifted the lid from the box and started to snicker.
"What?" Warrick asked as he looked over her shoulder before shaking his head when he saw the copy of the Kama Sutra inside.
"There's more to the gift, but it's at home," Sophia smirked. "Figured you two could use some spice in your life."
"She has enough spice," Lindsey interjected. "You should try her Brisket. It's amazing."
"Brisket? Meat? You cook meat now?" Nick asked surprised. "How much am I missing out on by living in Texas?"
"She cooks Brisket and other meats only on the Sabbath, and only because she loves the lot of us cannibals so very much," Bertie chuckled. "And I asked her to make Rebekah's Sabbath Brisket once and it grew from there."
"Thank Adonai I love you people," Sara sighed as she rolled her eyes. "That and I get spoiled rotten on Sundays for cooking meat for three meals on Friday and Saturday," she grinned.
"We'll have to have everyone over for Sabbath dinner eventually," Bertie mused as Sophia passed out a few more gifts.
"That we shall," Sara agreed with a nod.
"Gift for Bertie, from...well interestingly enough, Grissom," Sophia spoke up and Grissom just shrugged.
Everyone watched as Bertie opened the package, only to shake his head when he saw the butterfly mounted in a glass case inside. "It's the Sara Orangetip," Grissom explained as Bertie looked up at him and smiled.
Glancing over at Sara he grinned once more, "Thanks."
"Your welcome," Grissom beamed as Sophia continued handing other gifts out.
"Have a gift for Liz here; do you want to take it back to her?" Sophia asked after a few minutes.
"Sure. Who's it from?" Sara asked as it was passed her way.
"Nick," Sophia answered and Sara glanced over at him in surprise.
"No problem," she shrugged as she laid the package down.
"Okay, so next we have to Mark from Bertie," Sophia continued on.
Saturday December 25th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Cabin 6610
9:30 p.m.
"Liz?" Sara called softly as she entered the room after dinner. She'd been dragged to the formal meal when all she had wanted was to join Liz for dinner. Well, and drag Warrick along.
"Hey," greeted Liz as she stepped out of the bathroom, her hair in one hand, a comb in the other as she tried to comb out her hair.
"Going to night service?" Sara asked as she walked over and set down the box with her gift from Sophia.
"Yeah, I was planning on attending the one this morning initially since I tend to fall asleep around 10:30 these days but given the fact that I've been sleeping on and off for the past twenty-four hours, I figure I'll last through the late one. Plus I kinda slept through the morning one," replied Liz with a shrug
"You needed the sleep," Sara nodded. "Everyone says hi and says to get well soon," she added softly as she watched Liz prepare.
"What did you tell them?"
"Food poisoning from the fish at lunch yesterday."
"That works," mused Liz. "So how did Bobby like his book?"
"He loved it. He's been counting the days for it to come out actually," Sara smiled.
"Good thing I have connections then, isn't it?" laughed Liz. "I'll have to send his thanks to Calleigh so she can let the author know his book was so highly anticipated. I wish I could have seen his face when he opened it to find it signed by the author."
"He hasn't seen that yet," Sara began. "Wait, you got it signed by the author? Dang girl," she continued shaking her head. "Something tells me we'll be getting a knock around the time he sees that..." she continued before a knock echoed on the door, "Adonai, that's freaky..."
"Do you want to get it or should I? Actually, it might be better if I get it, that way if he's going to attack me at least he can do it privately." commented Liz looking over at Sara.
Sara laughed before slipping into the bathroom with her pj's as Liz went to the door.
"You are evil woman!" called Liz as she stood at her door looking through the peephole to make sure it was Bobby before opening the door. "Hey Bobby," she greeted when she finally opened the door.
"Hey there, Girl. Mind if I come in?" he asked with a smile.
"Of course not," replied Liz returning his smile as she stepped back and let him pass her, closing the door behind them.
When they passed the little 'hallway' he turned and grinned at her. "You are a god! A genius! An angel!"
"If you say so," laughed Liz. "I take it you liked your gift."
"I love it Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome Bobby," replied Liz. "I'll make sure to pass on your thanks to my gal Calleigh. She's the one that managed to get it for me before the book actually became available."
"Please, please do," grinned Bobby once more. "I'd hug you, but I don't want to mess up your nice clothes for Mass, but Carolyn and I will be seeing you there. So be prepared," he added with a wink before slipping past her and heading back out the way he'd come.
"I take it he liked it," Sara smirked as she leaned against the bathroom doorjamb.
"That's one way of putting it," commented Liz as she turned to face Sara.
"Well, I'm going to crash. Have a good time at Mass," Sara smiled as she straightened and headed towards the beds.
"Thanks," replied Liz grabbing her purse and her card key off the table. "I'll try not to wake you when I get back, which shouldn't be too late."
"No prob if you do," Sara shrugged. "Love you, Girl."
"Love you," replied Liz as she made her way out the door.
Sunday December 26th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
On Ship Spa
5:17 p.m.
"Oh, and I found the cutest little dress in town," Sara laughed as she glanced over at Liz. They had been in port at Willemstad, Curacao since seven that morning. And an hour later had seen her and Bertie on their excursion to see the Jewish Heritage tour on the island, which they'd had a fantastic time on. After lunch and two hours of shopping in town, they'd returned to the ship. And two hours later, she and Liz were at the spa getting their Paraffin Wax treatments along with manicures and pedicures for the wedding. She had purposely scheduled the two of them to go last for the treatment, figuring it would be a nice relaxing break the night before the wedding.
"You'll have to show me when we get back to the room then," replied Liz.
"Of course," Sara smiled. "So how was your day?"
"Quiet and restful actually. Nice. Sat out on my balcony reading for most of the day...well when I wasn't sleeping that is," commented Liz with a smile.
"Sounds like a lovely way to spend the day. And of course you pretty much had the ship all to yourself with everyone going to van der Valk beach today," Sara pondered as she carefully picked up her glass of water, making sure to not mess up her still slightly wet nails. "You know, I never thought I'd see the day I'd be getting a French manicure," she mused before shaking her head. "Anyone else wondering what ever happened to Sara Sidle?" she asked looking over at Liz with a smile.
"Right here," Liz laughed raising her hand. "Who are you and what have you done with Sara?"
Sara giggled as she set her glass back down. "I think the one who knows the true answer to that is off doing Adonai only knows what seeing as our darling friends have taken it upon themselves to keep us apart before the wedding."
"And whose idea was that anyway?"
"Hey, all I pointed out was that tradition dictated that we not be together intimately before the wedding. The only time we're not suppose to see each other is directly before the wedding until the B'deken," Sara countered with a smile. "I never expected our insane family and friends to take it literally and keep us physically apart as much as possible."
"Yeah well, I've enjoyed having you to myself in the evenings. It's nice having a roommate," commented Liz.
"It's been nice having a roommate too," Sara grinned.
"I'm going to miss having you around after tonight," sighed Liz quietly
"I know."
"What are you worried about Sara, after tonight you'll be back with Warrick and I'll be back to being on my own again," chided Liz.
"I always worry about you, girl. You're my best friend. And this trip hasn't exactly been easy...I'll be just as worried from Warrick's and my cabin, if not more, than I am with you," Sara explained kindly.
"Sara, you shouldn't be worrying about me tomorrow. It's your wedding night for Pete's sake. Just forget about me for one night. I'll be fine and if I need to I'm sure Lindsey would be more than happy to babysit me," Liz said.
"You don't need a babysitter, Girl, just a friend," Sara countered.
"Yes and my friend is getting married tomorrow so like I said Sara, don't worry about me," repeated Liz.
Sara took a deep sigh before nodding. "Alright, alright. I promise, no worrying...until after we leave Aruba. Then the annoying worry-wart of a best friend you were blessed with is back," she continued with a slight smirk
"All I ask is that you take twenty-four hours and worry about one thing only. You and Warrick. That's it."
"Alright, deal," Sara laughed. "Well, I am going to have to start prayers and all those lovely things when we get back, so how does one last moment of sister bonding sound with a trip to get ice cream before I hop into my Jewish-ness as Gilly calls it."
"Sounds like a plan," smiled Liz. "Want to help me up?"
"Certainly," Sara smirked as she stood before walking over to help Liz to her own feet.
"Thank you." commented Liz when she was finally back on her feet.
"No problem, as always," Sara grinned. "Thank you, ladies," she continued to the two women who had provided their treatments. Turning they made their way from the spa down to Ben and Jerry's.